Another action packed first 6 months in this lifestyle sport, thinking of all the things I’ve learnt, seen and worked for and looking forward to implementing them into my races in the back end of the season.

The start of the SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship started in the winter months which is typically our base training phase, its cold, its long and its usually dark not really the ones you jump out of bed all excited for, but you’ve got to get it done. The winter block was a solid build for me compared to previous years I went into them with a few issues and lost confidence but came out ready to go; I had passion, determination and a “Can Do attitude.”

The first major race wasn’t until December so until then there was what Toby likes to call “Training Races,” those races that you get no taper for…... “Damn.” These are the races that build you and prepare you for what lies ahead. The races get you stronger both physically and mentally, they also teach you how to race under fatigue which helps drastically later in the season.

My first race of the season was the classic Rainbow Beach Double Triathlon which consisted of two sprint races over two days, this race is one of my favourite races, it’s really the SCTA squads gathering race. We all race against each other, have fun and dust the cobwebs off our skills and race.

My Next Race was a team event at the Sunshine Coast 70.3 where I rode 90km, which was by far my longest TT effort, I loved it! The feeling of my legs feeling like jelly after the ride made me feel like I really went hard and left nothing left in the tank. Although riding home after presentation and making some silly mistakes lead me to having a bit of an accident on the bike……. That was fun telling Dad about it. Not only did it put me out from training for a week it also caused a few complications for my next race, which was Robina.

Robina was a long course event which I had a good swim, had cramps on the bike and when I dismounted had to pull out due to both of my legs locking up and causing serious pain. Absolutely devastated the whole drive back to the Sunshine Coast, when I got home having to have a tough conversation with my coach and my parents helped get my mind over it and focusing on fixing the problem.

Thankfully I have a great support team with my family, friends, Kate Shultz at Intune Sports and Health, and Dr Kate Gazzard from The Pro Clinic, got me back better then before and feeling confident leading into my Kawana Aquathlon and Race # 3 of the Queensland Triathlon Series.

This weekend was a massive confidence booster having a great race on Saturday followed by a race on Sunday to build both the body and the mind in preparation for runaway bay. This race was fast and exciting. I got through the weekend with any cramps or issues which also made me more confident leading into my first major race of the season.

Runaway Bay Super Sprint Race Weekend doubled as race #1 of the Australian Junior Triathlon Series. This weekend was a massive 7 races over the course of 4 days. This race is all about recovery and having the ability to back up and race again within a few hours. It has some of the best Junior athletes racing and is a great test to see where you are at and get an idea of what needs working on for the next race. Finishing off the year with some brick sessions, enjoying the holiday festivities and looking forward to the new year and racing at Robina race #5 on the 14th of January.

What’s in store for the next 6 months?The next few months are going to be packed with major races starting on the 3-4 of February I’ll be traveling with my bike down to Adelaide to race #2 of the Australian Junior Triathlon Series, followed by Race #6 of the QTS, Luke Harrop Memorial Triathlon on the 25th of February, Perth on the 3-4 of march (Race #3 of the AJTS) and then New Zealand on the 22-26th of March (Race #4 of the AJTS-Selection race for the youth Olympics).

Working closely with the SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship Sponsors to really have a crack at the back end of the season. Making sure I fuel correctly with my meal plan thanks to Tara Partridge| Tara Leanne Nutrition and Unique Health products| Clif Bar for the awesome Clif Bars, gels and Bloks. Recover correctly with guidance from Kate Gazzard| The Pro clinic and Kate Shultz| Intune Sports and Health. Maintaining my swimming with the help of The Kawana Aquatic Centre, Xterra wetsuits| Xterra Australia- Wetsuits and Boards| Titan Performance Group and Vorgee. Continuing my running with Mizuno Running| Mizuno running Australia and looking good while doing it thanks to Cannibal Australia.

Also, I’m looking forward to getting to know Stewart McCully from Next Level Elite and getting an understanding on how to see things differently and work on myself mentally.

ThanksA massive thanks to these peopleToby Coote- For your patience and guidanceKate Gazzard- For helping me get back onto my feet after the injuryKate Shultz- For preventing those nasty injuries from happening againLucy Bowden- For helping me get better at the social media side of things

Also to all my family, friend’s supporters and followers without all of you it would be a lot harder to do the things that I do. You are the ones help me out when I’m feeling low and pick me up and help me getter better and stronger. Thank you all.